Greece unveils flood relief measures as death toll hits 20

ATHENS: Greece’s government on Monday announced relief measures for areas hit by flooding as the death toll rose to 20 with two more people missing. “All households [confirmed to]have sustained damage will receive an emergency benefit of 5,000 euros [$6,000],” government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said in a statement. The freak flood struck early on Wednesday in the towns of Mandra, Nea Peramos and Megara, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of Athens. The death toll rose to 20 on Sunday after a man’s body was recovered in Mandra. Most of the victims were drowned, carried away by the floodwaters and mudslides, or trapped in flooded cars or basements. Several were found at sea. Greece is also expected to request EU solidarity funds for stricken areas.